Again and again scammers try to get their hands on user data via fake emails. Amazon is also often used as the supposed sender. We reveal which scams are currently causing trouble on behalf of the online retailer.
Amazon is one of the most popular online shops in Germany. So it’s no wonder that scammers like to use the name Amazon for their scams. The consumer centers also warn at regular intervals about e-mails that can be dangerous for customers. During Prime Day, which took place from July 12th to 13th, fraud reports increased even more. TECHBOOK reveals which alleged Amazon e-mails customers should currently beware of.
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Alleged password errors
There were multiple password errors when logging into the Amazon account – if you get such a warning, be careful. Because they come from scammers who try to get the login data of the users. In the email, the scammers point out the alleged errors and ask those affected to confirm their Amazon account information via a link. Otherwise your account may be blocked.
However, the link contained in the e-mail leads to a fake form that the sender can use to access all sensitive data and thus gain access to the user’s Amazon account. If this happens, the damage to those affected can quickly become high. Recipients of the e-mail should therefore ignore it, move it to the spam folder and never click on links. If you are still unsure whether everything is OK with your Amazon account, you should check your access directly with the online retailer. To do this, enter the link to Amazon directly in the browser’s address bar to avoid going to bogus sites.
Email threatens account suspension
The consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia also warns of another scam with phishing emails that threaten an alleged blocking of the Amazon account. The e-mails have the subject “Information: New update regarding your customer data” and make the recipient believe that they come directly from the online retailer. In fact, however, it is scammers who try to get their hands on customers’ private data.
The email states that a problem has been detected with the account and that the current account information needs to be updated. As long as this has not happened, your Amazon account will be blocked. A link in the e-mail should make it particularly easy for the recipients to verify their customer and account data. However, the link does not lead to Amazon, but to a website created by the fraudsters, from which they can access the data.
According to the consumer advice center, the fraudulent email can be easily identified as a fake based on the missing salutation and the atypical layout. She advises recipients not to open such emails and instead delete them directly.
Amazon Prime email scam attempt
Another scam is targeting Amazon Prime customers. You are currently receiving more and more e-mails in which payment arrears are pointed out. It says exactly that the bill for the monthly subscription with Amazon Prime has not been settled. A card problem is to blame and the customer account is therefore suspended for security reasons. The addressee must now update their payment information within six days in order to avert termination of their membership and be able to use the Amazon Prime service again. The email contains a link for this purpose, but it apparently leads to a fraudulent site.
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Recognizing false emails and reacting correctly
In the past few days and weeks, consumer protection has repeatedly raised the alarm about the false Amazon e-mails. The online retailer is also aware of the problem. On its website, Amazon gives its customers tips to recognize phishing and to protect themselves from this and future fraud attempts. You should always pay attention to the following points:
Pay attention to the salutation
Customers are always addressed by name in (real) emails from Amazon Prime. With the wrong ones that are currently being used, it just means “hello” – often and in this case as well, an indication of phishing.
The amount requested is incorrect
In the circulating e-mails, an amount of 10.71 euros (plus taxes) is reminded. However, Prime customers pay €7.99 for their monthly subscription.
Amazon never requests data via email
“Amazon will never ask you to send personal information via email,” the mail order company’s website says.
Always check the sender address
Furthermore, Amazon advises never to open links given in emails of questionable origin. Real Amazon email addresses always ended with @amazon.de.